According to Poughkeepsie Journal Walters told graduates of Sarah Lawrence that her success as a journalist came from going to a university “where she was not afraid to ask questions." She credits her ability to be fearless to the college as well, citing her recent interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin when she asked if he had ever killed anybody.
Walters recently retired from her daytime talk show The View this month, according to Fox News. Her last day on the show was aired on May 16th. Walters does however, still remain an executive producer of the show. After announcing her gift to the college CNN reporter Fareed Zakaria gave the commencement address joking that Walters was a tough act to follow. College President Karen Lawrence told reporters the school is very excited to receive the gift.